Recurrent Miscarriages and Infertility

The physicians at Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology have evaluated and treated many women in Hawaii and elsewhere for recurrent pregnancy loss. As a group, they have given several invited lectures detailing the current research regarding recurrent pregnancy loss. The fertility clinic in Hawaii offers state-of-the-art testing and treatment for patients experiencing pregnancy loss. Depending on the results of an evaluation, potential treatment options include medical therapy, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), or ovulation induction.

Recurrent miscarriage is defined as two or more consecutive, spontaneous pregnancy losses.

Approximately 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, which is defined as the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation. Most miscarriages occur within the first 12 weeks of gestation. “Recurrent miscarriage,” also known as “habitual pregnancy loss,” is commonly defined as three or more miscarriages. When miscarriage occurs this frequently, there may be an underlying cause such as a genetic defect. Other causes include an abnormally shaped uterus, uterine fibroids, and scar tissue in the uterus that may hinder implantation or growth of the fetus. Hormonal imbalances of prolactin, thyroid hormone or progesterone can result in miscarriage. Illnesses such as diabetes mellitus or immune system abnormalities may increase the chance of miscarriage.

Treatment for recurrent pregnancy loss can involve a range of options including careful monitoring and pre-natal care, surgery, hormone therapy, antibiotics and the use of procedures such as in vitro fertilization. Appropriate treatment has proved to be both safe and effective for most couples.

Diagnostic tests to determine the causes of miscarriage

Your medical history, a pelvic exam, and one or more of the tests listed below are necessary in diagnosing possible causes of your recurring miscarriages

Karyotype – a mapping of your chromosomes, used to diagnose genetic defects.

Hysterosalpingogram – a procedure that uses x-rays and a special dye to evaluate the shape of the inside of your uterus.

Sonohysterography (Saline Sonography) – a procedure performed in our office where a small amount of fluid is placed into the uterine cavity while performing a transvaginal ultrasound. This will provide information regarding the uterus and uterine cavity.

Hysteroscopy – a procedure in which your doctor uses a narrow fiberoptic telescope inserted into the uterus to look inside your uterine cavity.

Vaginal ultrasound – a scan that uses high frequency sound waves to detect abnormalities in and around the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

Blood hormone levels – blood tests that reveal the levels of certain hormones in your blood, such as prolactin, thyroid, and progesterone.

Endometrial biopsy – a procedure in which a sample of your endometrial tissue is examined under a microscope to determine if it is appropriately developed for an implanting embryo.

Glucose screening – a blood test used to diagnose diabetes mellitus which, if left uncontrolled, increases the likelihood of miscarriage.

Antibodies tests – blood tests used to detect an immune system abnormality.

Why Miscarriage Occurs

Miscarriages appear to be a natural process to protect a woman from a pregnancy that is abnormal. Most losses are due to a chromosomal abnormality of the embryo. However, a variety of other factors can contribute to continued failure to carry a pregnancy. In some cases, genetic factors can prevent an embryo from developing normally. In other cases, conditions affecting the uterus, metabolic causes, environmental factors, infections, hormonal disorders, and possibly clotting disorders can affect a woman’s ability to carry a pregnancy.

Genetics. A genetic problem with a developing embryo or a genetic condition that affects one or both parents may result in recurrent miscarriages.

As many as 50-70% of all early pregnancy losses are believed to be caused by abnormalities in the chromosomal makeup of the embryo. These errors typically occur early in the oocyte (egg) maturation process and less commonly during sperm maturation.

In some cases, one or both parents may have a chromosomal abnormality, resulting in an embryo with too much or too little genetic material. We can evaluate a couple’s chromosomes with a test called a karyotype analysis. While some genetic issues affecting parents are undetectable, we can now test embryos for certain genetic abnormalities before they are transferred back to the uterus during in vitro fertilization. This process is called pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).

Conditions Affecting the Uterus. The process of implantation is hormonally regulated and requires a synchronized interaction between the implanting embryo and the lining of the woman’s uterus (endometrium). Factors that alter this relationship can result in pregnancy losses.

The hormone progesterone, produced by the ovaries in the second half of a woman’s ovulatory cycle, is necessary for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. The relationship between the hormonal environment of early pregnancy and implantation is intricate and, not very well understood.

Anatomical or structural problems with a woman’s uterus, including polyps, fibroids, or congenital defects, can result in miscarriage or complications later in pregnancy. An ultrasound test (saline sonography) or an X-ray test (hysterosalpingogram, or HSG) can reveal many structural abnormalities of the uterus. Occasionally, additional imaging studies may be required. Fortunately, many abnormalities of the uterus can be corrected through surgery.

Problems Affecting the Immune System. It is clear that there is a special relationship between the uterus and the immune system, but the exact nature of this relationship is not well understood at this time.

Two antibodies, lupus anticoagulant (LAC) and anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) are believed to promote fetal death by causing clotting in the early placental circulation. Other classes of antiphospholipid antibodies have been investigated, but none have yet been found to be associated with recurrent miscarriages. Testing for ACA and LAC are performed on all recurrent pregnancy loss patients. Treatment involves the use of low dose aspirin and other anti-clotting medications.

Abnormalities of certain white blood cell functions have been proposed as a potential cause of miscarriage, but no meaningful data exists to support this as a cause of miscarriages. The field of immunology is evolving and our approach to screening and treatment may change as more scientific research becomes available.

Environmental Factors. Women who have had repeated miscarriages often ask about a link between miscarriage and environmental factors such as smoking, caffeine, and alcohol use and exercise. While some studies suggest that environmental factors may cause sporadic pregnancy loss, a link with recurrent pregnancy loss has not been firmly established. We generally advise all pregnant women, but especially those with a history of recurrent loss, to avoid smoking (including second-hand smoke exposure), excessive caffeine intake (more than two cups of coffee/day) and alcohol use.

There is no evidence to suggest that exercise increases a women’s risk of pregnancy loss. However, there are no studies suggesting that strenuous exercise is safe for recurrent loss patients. Therefore, as a precaution, we suggest that women avoid strenuous aerobic exercise. In addition, there is some evidence to suggest that women with a history of miscarriage should avoid exposure to biohazards, solvents or certain industrial chemicals that are known to have an effect on a developing fetus. Your doctor can help you evaluate your risk of exposure to there materials if this is a concern.

Infections. It is believed to be unusual for an infection to cause a miscarriage and it is extremely unlikely that infections cause multiple pregnancy losses. Some suspected but unproven infectious causes of pregnancy loss include the bacteria mycoplasma, ureaplasma and Chlamydia. Screening is done through cultures and we are typically able to eliminate those problems during the evaluation.

Hormonal Disorders. Diseases affecting the endocrine system, especially those that are relatively mild, do not appear to increase the risk of miscarriage. However, certain disorders, including uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid disease are known to increase a woman’s risk of miscarriage. In addition, women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome are at increased risk for sporadic loss, but the condition has no proven association with recurrent pregnancy loss. Based on an individual’s health history, we may recommend an evaluation for an endocrine disorder. In many cases these conditions can easily be managed with medication and should be corrected prior to further attempts at conception.

Clotting Disorders. Thrombophilias, the tendency to form blood clots, appear to be associated with a variety of problems in pregnancy, although studies are inconclusive. Research suggests a link between thrombophilias and pregnancy-related problems in the second and third trimester. These include fetal growth problems, fetal death, pregnancy-induced hypertension and placental separation. However, the association between thrombophilias and first trimester loss is controversial. Testing for thrombophilias is based on an individual’s health history. Most cases of thrombophilias can be treated with low dose aspirin and other anti-clotting medications.